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Unread 10-07-2012, 12:53
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YAK'ker YAK'ker is offline
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FRC #2192 (YAK Attack)
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Re: What do YOU want in the Kit of Parts?

I'm with Dale on this - I think 90% of the KOP could be omitted and that could be used to help reduce entry fees for the teams. I also agree on the software; all of it should be available to download for free for registered teams, as many times as we need it.

Some of the parts have been defective and/or are incompatible with new regs; parts should be tested beforehand and ONLY those parts that are required for communication updates every year should be provided.

I believe we would see a LOT more adherence to specs and yet more creative solutions if the KOP were reduced greatly. Teams would have to make sure their design solutions are within the strict parameters and not assume that because they are in the KOP it's OK.

Reduce the fees! A lot of the reason we don't see more FIRST groups is because of the high entry fee. There are a plethora of other robotics competitions out there that don't require the financial input. A lot of communities are hard-put to come up with that much. Heck, we can't even afford an art program at our school, anymore....spending $5K on a kit is hard to justify.